"Ready?" Regulus attempted to hide his nerves as he eyed his silent niece. She looked unbelievably tense and he had no idea how to fix it.

Nodding, she bit her lip, clearly deciding whether to speak or not. He waited. "Moxie insisted on coming too," she said finally.

"Very well," he agreed, "If nothing else I imagine that she'll be a help while getting dressed. We'll stop off at a friend's house briefly to get ready. She's going to accompany us to the theatre."

"Oh?"

Regulus smiled slightly, reading the question she didn't ask on her face. "Paulina is an old friend, she used to dance, now she owns the Theatre. She's rather desperate to meet you."

"Ah," Hermione murmured, giving no indication of how she had received that information as her mind whirled, attempting to decide whether this new player was a good thing or not. Currently, she was leaning towards not.

"Well, shall we?"

With a nod, Hermione gingerly placed her finger on the disk he held out, feeling the familiar jolt as he whispered, "Portus."

Hermione stumbled as the portkey deposited them in a large square hallway. "Regulus, darling!" a soft voice called, drawing her attention to an impossibly graceful woman dressed in a peach robe.

"Paulina," Regulus bowed over her knuckles, "No Rachel?"

The woman rolled her eyes, "Impossible woman!" she scoffed. "She's been avoiding me but she will no doubt appear now you're here, who is this darling?"

"Ah, my niece, Hermione. Hermione, Paulina Perez."

Hermione curtseyed, hearing Augusta's demanding voice inside her head. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

The woman's smile widened, "Oh you are precious," she cooed, her eyes raking over Hermione with undisguised interest. "Now, shall we abandon your rather boring uncle and retire to a room? I see you've brought your elf, wonderful! We'll have us both looking breathtaking shortly."

"Paulie," Regulus warned, "she's fifteen."

"And, darling?" Paulina's eyes widened with faux innocence. "If the papers are to be believed, your niece has the eye of an international Quidditch star." she turned to Hermione conspiratorially, "And I don't blame him, you looked stunning. Those robes were definitely not British."

Hermione gave a huff of laughter against her will. "No, they were French."

"Ah. Madam Delisle at Maison Capenoir?"

"Yes,'' Hermione agreed, trying to decide what to make of this woman.

Paulina hummed, "She has the most exquisite taste." she sighed. "Your robes for tonight are hers too?"

"I honestly have no idea, Moxie packed them," Hermione admitted.

The witch hummed again in acknowledgement, "Well then, a surprise for us all. Come along. Merlin knows there are often photographers."

Regulus paused. "Ah," he murmured, "I hadn't considered those."

Paulina waved him off, "Your delightful niece can come with me. We'll disguise you. It will be fine."

Regulus nodded. "That's probably best. I'm not quite ready to announce my return. When I do, I want to see my brother's face."

"Very well. Now, Nick?" an elf in a silver pillowcase appeared at her side awaiting her instruction, "Take Regulus to his usual room to get ready. And if you could send Bubbles to my dressing room please."

The elf nodded, popping out of sight as Paulina threaded her arm through Hermione's, "Now then darling, let's get moving. I have some wonderful stories of your Uncle to tell you."

Despite her growing trepidation, Hermione smiled, it would be good to see if she could learn more about this mysterious uncle of hers. If nothing else any knowledge beat the scant amount she had currently.

"Moxie's little Miss bes sitting down," Moxie commanded the moment they entered a dressing room that threatened to put her Aunt Narcissa's to shame. Plush velvet sofas congregated around a low coffee table, a wall of mirrors stood opposite huge French windows and a long dressing table containing more products than Hermione had ever personally seen sat off to the side. With a click of an elf's fingers, wall lights turned on along the wall, alongside a giant ceiling chandelier. She wasn't entirely sure she liked the more is more approach the witch had clearly taken, but even she could appreciate that the lighting was a bonus.

"Bubbles' Mistress bes sitting next to her," a second elf commanded.

Paulina sighed "Such bossy little creatures, but Merlin knows we'd all be lost without them. Now, before we sit down shall we inspect these robes so we know what to suggest for your hair?"

Hermione nodded warily, "I usually just wear combs though. They're enchanted."

Paulina nodded, "And you can but might I suggest you change it for tonight? Your presence in the paper was noted, darling. Let's give them something to talk about."

"Why?"

"Why?" Paulina's smile was sharklike. "Your Uncle gave me a…brief overview. We have been friends for a long time, I think he needed to rant. What your father did precious, it's unforgivable. So let's make him regret it. I imagine you'll manage that without the press, but a little bit of rubbing his nose in it never hurts."

"I don't…why would he care?"

Paulina eyed her shrewdly, "You looked every inch the Heiress in the pictures with Viktor Krum. But more than that, you looked happy. If you are then seen tonight with me and Merlin willing, my partner. Rachel's in a bit of a mood with me currently," the witch rolled her eyes, "but I imagine she'll come back as soon as she realises Reggie's here. She adores him. I digress of course."

"You, darling?" came a sardonic voice from the door.

"Rachel! Oh come and meet Hermione, isn't she precious?"

The other witch ran her eyes over her, before her lips quirked into a smile, "Your photos do not do you justice." she inclined her head, "Rachel Elliot, I imagine you've not heard a thing about me, but I have heard rather a lot about you. Or well…I've heard rather a lot of your uncles fretting about you."

"It's nice to meet you," Hermione replied, unsure of what else to say.

Rachel smiled kindly, "I imagine all this has been rather a lot and it is absolutely none of my business, however, if you can, do give your Uncle a chance. He's desperate to do this right but Merlin knows he can be a bit hopeless sometimes."

"That's an understatement," Paulina muttered, "That business with the wizard he left behind shows that."

"Professor Snape?" Hermione queried.

Paulina and Rachel turned to her as one. "He never gave us a name." Paulina admitted, "You know the wizard?"

"He's my Potions professor."

"My goodness, is he really?" Rachel's eyes lit up with mischief. "Tell is everything!"

"Once we've covered the benefit of publicity when planning revenge." Paulina cut in.

"Oh is this the papers?" Rachel shrugged, turning to Hermione with careless grace, "You should remind your father exactly what he gave up. I gather he took in his godson, arsehole that he is. Your uncle mentioned that your own godfather is a far more reliable human being?" Hermione nodded warily. "Good. Then let's show them exactly how little you need him. You have contacts darling, I gather you've made most of them on your own, but we can help. Let us."

"Fine," Hermione sighed, her entire body deflating on a breath.

"Good." Rachel nodded, a wide, vicious grin splitting her face. "Then let us see these robes and then we'll discuss hair."

Gingerly, Hermione reached for the bag Moxie had over her robes. "Little mistress bes letting moxie do that," her elf scolded, batting her hands away, removing the bag with a flourish.

"Definitely French," Paulina sighed, eyeing the robes with appreciation.

"Moxie, when did I get these?" Hermione asked, eyeing the robe with genuine confusion.

"Mistress begs Moxie to get something suitable. Moxie bes doing as she was told."

"Moxie!"

"Oh hush precious, this is perfect." Paulina scolded. "Now these are…incredibly grown up. Let's keep hair and make-up soft if you please, she's only fifteen, so let's not make her look like she's playing dress up. Do you have more than her usual combs?"

"Yes Madam Paulina," Moxie agreed, "Madam Narcissa bes giving Moxie a hairband that looks like the little mistresses bracelet."

At that Moxie produced the most elaborate hairband Hermione had ever seen. "Oh good," Paulina cooed, "It's perfect."

Moxie nodded, "Sit down little mistress, Moxie needs to be getting started."

Rachel hid a smile when Hermione automatically compiled, her own elf, Squeak beginning on her hair. "Now then, this Professor of yours?"

Hermione paused, not sure what to say, what she should say. "He teaches potions

"Dashing? Handsome?" Paulina prodded from Hermione's other side.

"Why wouldn't Regulus talk about him?" Hermione countered

Paulina's face sobered, "He missed him precious, like a missing limb. It's one of his longest, most bitter regrets. He convinced himself that the wizard would never forgive him."

"He might not,'' Hermine admitted, relaxing as Moxie weaved her magic through her curls.

"Oh?"

"I don't pretend to understand what he's thinking but it doesn't take a genius to realise he's beyond angry. And yet…'' Hermione trailed off, thinking about her professor. "I wouldn't write him off entirely."

"Good," Rachel smiled, "I do love a good love story, Now, what's he like?"

Hermione almost laughed, "Grumpy. Sarcastic, and brutally cutting if I'm honest. Bitter and up until recently I'd have said downright unpleasant."

The witches blinked, "Not quite what we were imagining." Paulina murmured.

"I can't picture them together," Hermione admitted.

"Hmmm. Trip to Britain darling?"

Rachel rolled her eyes before she snorted, her eyes falling on Hermione, "Of course."

"The mistresses be quiet now." Three squeaky voices demanded, all three elves brandishing makeup brushes at them before completing their makeup to suit their own whims.

"The little mistress needs to be putting on her dress now."

"Go behind the middle screen darling," Paulina commanded, heading for the end one, Rachel following her.

Hermione complied slowly, using the time to get her thoughts into some semblance of order as she allowed Moxie to help her into her robes and shoes. The elf took a step back once she was done, her eyes filling with tears, "Oh Moxie's little mistress bes looking so grown up!"

Hermione blinked as Moxie led her to the mirrored wall, fussing with her robes. "Merlin Moxie…." she trailed off eyeing herself. The robes were a deep forest green and made entirely of tulle. A slit higher than she felt entirely comfortable ended at mid-thigh while a wide belt in the same fabric cinched her waist. At the centre two lengths of tulle came together at a point, pleated to look almost structured, they swept up her body, leaving her with a thin sliver of skin between a deep v that thankfully covered everything, the lengths flowing over her shoulder to touch the hem of the floor-length skirt in a dramatic flourish. And nestled in her hair was an asymmetric headband, a wide band of diamond-encrusted flowers narrowing into a single line as it crossed her head.

"Oh, oh Precious! Look at you!" Paulina cupped her bare shoulders as she came to a stop behind her in the mirror.

"I feel…like I'm playing dress up."

Paulina hummed, "Thankfully darling you don't look it. You look exquisite. Now, assuming Rachel hurries up we should go."

Rachel rolled her eyes as she exited the screen, her pale blue robes swirling at her feet, complimenting Paulina's navy.

"You just want to cause a scene." she scolded, eyeing herself critically, before tossing her long hair over her shoulder so it fell in a single blonde sheet perfectly, a tiny delicate sapphire rope holding it back from her face.

"Of course I do." Paulina scoffed, before hooking her arm through Hermione's. "Now let's go and dazzle the masses."

Nervously, Hermione allowed her to pull her along, the willowy witch surprisingly strong as she glided down the stairs towing Hermione with her.

"Merlin." Regulus breathed, "You look almost exactly like your mother."

Hermione hummed, her throat suddenly tight. "Do not make her cry!" Paulina scolded. "Now who are you going as?"

"I thought I'd transfigure features," he shrugged, "resurrect Mr White."

Paulina snorted, "Merlin if you must."

"Mr white?"

"Oh, I've gone out several times as Mr White. Reclusive, eccentric, known to associate with those involved in the arts."

"Ah."

"Get to it then," Paulina commanded impatiently accepting her cloak, watching as Regulus transfigured his features with ease. Hermione almost laughed when she spotted Professor Snape's nose combined with Malfoy blonde hair. Regulus peered at her imperiously.

"Yes?"

"You know exactly what."

He smirked in response, not commenting, "Shall we then, darling niece?"

Resignedly, Hermione took his arm, slightly jarred when they appeared in a little room. Paulina and Rachel behind them.

"Cloaks off darlings," Paulina demanded, handing hers to a waiting elf, watching as they followed suit. "We only brought them in case we go somewhere after. Now, Hermione, you're with me, Rachel with Mr White."

Confused, Hermione moved to take her arm. "Trust me," the witch whispered, "Now smile."

At that command she stepped out, the flash of photographers almost blinding Hermione as she fought to keep a smile on her face.

"Miss Perez, Miss Perez, who's with you tonight?"

"Oh, this is the delightful Hermione McKinnon, Heir Black." Paulina cooed, "And of course you know Rachel and Mr White. Miss Mckinnon has never experienced a wizarding ballet, so, of course, I felt duty-bound to rectify it. As you all know, I've been a friend of the family for years, for all we've been estranged and I cannot tell you how pleased I am that she's rejoined society again. We owe her godfather a massive debt for keeping her as safe as he could all these years."

"Her godfather?" a reporter shouted.

"Oh the wonderful Remus Lupin," Paulina gushed, "He stepped in where her father would not, of course, none of us knew where she was. My only regret is that Mr Lupin didn't know he could trust us. I'm so glad that we're able to build bridges now."

The reporter blinked, "You don't live with your father Miss McKinnon? We've heard Lord Black has been recently exonerated.

"Hermione's doing," Paulina replied for her, "Lord Black abandoned his daughter, but she refused to see an innocent man suffer despite what it cost her. It's shameful really. Now, I really do need to insist we go inside, I don't want to miss a moment of this!" Paulina's smile widened, "The first of many new experiences I hope to witness of course."

"What…what was that?" Hermione demanded with a hiss as they settled into a box.

"Trust me," Paulina replied, her face hard, "I gather you're used to brushing off your father's actions and I apologise for not properly preparing you for how invasive the questions can be, but I meant what I said. It's time that your father understands exactly what he's done."

"But…"

"Hermione, the entire Wizengamot knows. This isn't anything people aren't already saying. All it is is showing that you're not bowing down to his cruelty." Regulus interrupted. "You are the unknown. And…we're going to need to give them a little. Not much, and," he threw Paulina a censoring look, "Not without discussing it with you beforehand. But you have a chance to make a difference, to use your name to do something world-changing, and for that, you need the press onside."

"I don't like being blindsided."

"Noted, "Paulina nodded, "And I apologise, it won't happen again. However, with your consent, I truly would like to get to know you, and perhaps teach you how to handle situations like that one. It has been part of my job for many years."

Hermione nodded, her face still wary as she tried to process how she felt about what had just happened. All she felt currently was angry and uncomfortable. Too unsettled to make conversation, she allowed an awkward silence to fall, watching as people filtered in to take their seats until the lights dimmed.

Switching her brain off for a moment, Hermione allowed herself to get lost in the ballet. She'd seen the Nutcracker twice with her dad but this version was breathtaking, the magic palpable as it wove throughout the story. It was almost jarring when the intermission curtain fell.

"Good, no?"

Hermione nodded, still not sure she had forgiven the witch for her behaviour with the reporters. "We'll go and get drinks," Rachel voiced suddenly, pulling her partner up by the arm, a warning look on her face when Paulina opened her mouth.

"Of course."

"You're enjoying it?" Regulus checked once they left.

"Yes," Hermione agreed. He sighed in response.

"Paulina is ...overprotective of those she considered hers. We've been friends for a long time, and because of that she extended that protection to you."

"Did you know she'd do that?"

"I had an idea," he admitted sheepishly.

"I will not be used," Hermione hissed, all of a sudden feeling her anger return. "Was this just a way to use me to ease your claim for the lordship?"

Regulus' transfigured features twisted into a mix of horror and regret. "Hermione no! Gods," he groaned, "I seem to keep messing this up. I should have spoken to you before we came. I….I meant what I said. I don't think Sirius should be able to forget what a monumental arse he's been when it comes to you but…"

"But it's my life not yours and none of you considered that perhaps I don't want it splashed all over the front page of the Prophet!"

Regulus inclined his head slowly, "I apologise. I'll speak to Paulina. But Hermione, we are going to need to agree to tell them something. You are already drawing attention, the McKinnon line was thought to be gone. That you are linked to Viktor Krum is of interest. You're living with the Malfoys, you are the Black Heir. I don't imagine you'll like it but they are going to talk. It's important that we control the narrative. Especially as it could so easily become twisted when one of the other participants is Harry sodding Potter."

Hermione shook her head, "Can't we just leave it?"

"No." He all of a sudden looked utterly serious. "I wish, for your sake,we could but we can't and I think you know it."

Hermione sighed heavily even as her mind whirled, "Fine." she agreed somewhat sullenly, her entire body deflating "But I won't be blindsided like that ever again."

"Noted."

Rachel cleared her throat, glasses hovering in front of her that she sent to each of them before she turned looking pointedly at Paulina.

The woman pursed her lips before sitting gracefully next to Hermione. "I apologise." she began softly "I shouldn't have presumed to speak for you. I…It makes me angry. And perhaps I lost sight of what was important because of that. My father abandoned my mother and I. She was…sickly. Blood curse that went back generations. She died when I was ten and he refused to acknowledge me. I eventually lived with a friend of my grandfather's. Cassiopeia Black."

"Oh," Hermione murmured, "Aunt Cissa says I would have liked her."

Paulina's smile was sad, "I imagine you probably would. Aunt Cassie was fierce and unapologetically herself. She loved potions and charms and experimenting. She was…well, the world is a poorer place without her in it. However, I suppose my point is, your father's behaviour…triggers some of my own issues. My father was absolved of his sins. He went on to have an acceptable family with male Heirs and I was forgotten."

"I'm sorry," Hermione murmured.

Paulina waved her off, "From what I understand I was lucky. I imagine the name Lestrange means something to you." Paulina smiled knowingly at her surprised look. "Yes. I gather that my little brothers are in Azkaban, and my father is thankfully dead. However, knowing he was a dispicable excuse for a human being does not unfortunately take away the hurt that he thought I wasnt worth his time. It is illogical and I have thankfully grown up enough not to base my self-worth on someone who does not deserve my time. But I will never forget how badly it affected me, and," she looked at Hermione pointedly, "it means I have a reasonable idea of how much it hurts you. I imagine it's worse because the son he's chosen isn't biologically his and from what I've been told, used to be your friend." Hermione swallowed audibly, trying to tamp down the rising emotions at that statement. Smiling sadly, Paulina reached over and squeezed her hand. "Now the second half is starting, drink your champagne darling, there's nothing worse than drinking it warm."

Hermione blinked in surprise, her hand still wrapped around her forgotten glass. Paulina smiled, "Try it, trust me, and after this, we'll have a chat about setting up some visits."

Silently, Hermione complied, feeling the bubbles dance on her tongue. "Good no?" Rachel smiled.

"Yes," she agreed softly as the candles dimmed and the curtain lifted.

"Now, you'll stay won't you darlings?" Paulina demanded as they appeared back in her hallway.

"I can send an elf to your father," Regulus offered softly, "We'll be back by lunchtime?"

"I…" Hermione wrestled with her decision before sighing, "Alright. But no later than lunchtime."

"Of course." he smiled, not quite daring to hope that she'd actually let him in this time.

"Now, darling, let's go and get pyjamas and get comfy. Merlin knows that as stunning as they look, dress robes were not made with comfort in mind. This corset…"

In spite of herself, Hermione laughed, allowing the woman to lead her back through the house, unsurprised to find expensive-looking pyjamas waiting for her.

6th January 1995

The night had passed surprisingly pleasantly, they avoided any heavier topics deliberately, and Hermione found herself enjoying Paulina's sharp tongue and her teasing. She got a glimpse into her Uncle when he wasn't trying to win her over as he bantered and poked fun at the women he clearly knew well. She wasn't entirely sure what to make of any of it, it was like watching an entirely different man.

"Now darling," Paulina smiled over breakfast, "Promise me you'll write?"

"Oh I ah…I could."

"Please do," Rachel smiled gently, "I know you didn't expect us, but truly, we would like to get to know you, and your godfather."

Hermione hummed, "Alright," she murmured finally.

"Good now. We also intend to visit. It's been years since we were in Britain and Merlin knows that Simon, my theatre manager has been desperate to be left to manage in peace for aeons. I might just allow it." Paulina turned to Regulus, "Perhaps see if Narcissa has some recommendations for somewhere to stay?"

"Of course," he agreed.

"Good, now, eat up, darlings, your portkey will activate soon. I don't want to meet your godfather for the first time when he bursts through my floo because you've missed it."

"You're back!" Draco breathed, his eyes scanning her. "You're alright?"

"I'm alright," she confirmed.

"Good. that's…that's good. Your dads in father's study with him and mother attempting to decide whether the article was a good thing or not."

"Article?" Hermione frowned.

"You've not seen the paper?"

"No, we have not." Regulus interjected, holding out his arm to Hermione, "Shall we?"

Gingerly she took it, allowing him to guide her into Lucius' study. "Wait on me!" Draco protested scurrying after them.

Sirius stared at the paper with rising anger. On the front page, his daughter was smiling, Paulina Perez next to her. The article was damning. Direct quotes from the woman who was known to have been taken in by Cassieopiea Black painted him as neglectful at best. There was speculation about his character, quotes from those who had known him before Azkaban describing him as feckless and irresponsible and amongst it all was a glowing report of the girl he was rapidly wishing would disappear. Her outfit, her mannerisms and her looks were all commented on, along with a glowing report of her academic achievements and her behaviour in school. He felt the paper begin to burn at the edges in response to his spiralling emotions and wondered what was coming next.

"Well, you caused quite a stir, darling," Narcissa smiled up at her in amusement as they hovered in the door of the study.

"I didn't have much choice,'' Hermine muttered.

"No," Narcissa allowed, "Paulie was always a law until herself," she turned to Remus, "Do prepare yourself for that. My advice would be to get Rachel onside."

"Rachel?" he checked bewildered.

"Her partner." Narcissa nodded to the picture next to Hermione and Paulina. "She's the far more level-headed of the two."

"Right," he muttered with a sigh. Turning to Hermione, "Good trip?"

She hesitated as she sat down beside him, sinking into his side. "Mostly," she agreed.

"Oh?"

"I didn't appreciate being blindsided by all the information she gave the press."

"No," Remus mused, "But unfortunately, boundary issues aside, I do think it's likely to have been a good thing."

Hermine sighed exaggeratedly but did not comment as Regulus watched on avidly, trying to glean some tips from the way she responded to her godfather and the way he seemed to manage to soothe her without thought.

"She asked for recommendations for somewhere to stay," Regulus voiced into the silence.

"Paulie? Interesting, how long does she intend to stay?"

"I don't know," he hedged, "She intimated it might be a longer-term thing. She intends to get to know Hermine and…ah… Remus."

Remus quirked an amused eyebrow at the stumbling over his name before turning to Hermione. "Do you want to get to know her?"

"I don't know." she admitted "But she…she apologised and pointed out that she had some experience working in the media. It might be best to have her onside."

"Ok then." he agreed, "If that changes let me know. Now, shall we do something?"

"What?" Hermione looked at him warily.

"Junior's in the cinema. Miracle on 34th Street, The Nightmare Before Christmas?"

Hermione laughed, looking at Draco. "Fancy going to the cinema?"

"Yes! I don't know what any of those are but yes!"

"I don't know anything about them either," she admitted.

"Juniors about a pregnant man?" Remus offered, "Ah The Nightmare Before Christmas is animated and Miracle on 34th Street I think is about Santa?"

"Oh." Hermione glanced at Draco who shrugged, "Will we do the animated one?" she hedged.

"Very well. Go get changed, both of you. Are any of you coming?"

Three adults stared back at him. "Will there be…what did you call them? Minstrels?" Narcissa asked.

"That can be arranged," he agreed, trying not to laugh.

"Then yes."

"For research purposes," Lucius agreed.

Regulus looked at them in confusion, "What are you talking about."

Narcissa smiled wickedly, turning to Remus, "We'll silence him and stick him to the seat. It'll be fine. Educational."

With a groan, Remus eyed her warily, "Are you sure that's wise?"

"Not in the slightest but I imagine it'll be funny," she admitted.

Remus smiled over at Hermione grinning as she laughed with Draco, hooking her arm through his as they left the cinema.

"She looks happy," Regulus mused softly having only just been unsilenced having been forced to sit through something that left him utterly confused.

"She does," Remus agreed, pinning him with a look, "I intend her to remain that way."

Regulus sighed heavily, "I'd quite like her to stay that way too," he murmured, "I know you don't believe me but I won't hurt her deliberately."

"It's the unintentional that worries me," Remus retorted. "That mess with Paulina Perez should never have happened without her knowledge and you know it. You can't…you have to convince her to trust you. You have to be worth her trust. Stunts like that make it unlikely."

"Understood," he murmured.

"Good." Remus nodded sharply. "Now, the children requested hot chocolate and cake and given that she's going back to school tomorrow I'm inclined to indulge them. Do try to behave."

"You'll explain what the fuck it was I just watched then?" Regulus hedged.

With an amused snort, Remus nodded, "I imagine between us we can manage that."

"Let's go to the little tearoom on Intern Alley," Narcissa interjected briskly, "Merlin knows we don't need to risk the statute."

With a snort, Remus inclined his head, "Come on then you two," he called to Hermione and Draco, "I believe you requested cake."

January 7th 1995

The boy who was unprepared.

Readers will know that Harry Potter, youngest Triwizard champion, recently battled a dragon but did you know that the boy was never aware he could refuse? Sources from Hogwarts who wish to remain anonymous state that Potter, who was taken in by his recently exonerated godfather, none other than the accused mass murderer and Azkaban escapee Sirius Black, is woefully underprepared. "Black wanted to give him the summer to have fun and before that Dumbledore placed him with abusive muggles. He hasn't a clue!" my source revealed. A decision they are both coming to regret, I'm sure.

Of course, add in rumours of a rift between Mr Potter and one of his supposed best friends Hermione McKinnon, the Heir to House Black and one wonders if there is more to the story. Miss McKinnon's biological father is none other than the aforementioned Sirius Black but her guardians are listed as Lord and Lady Malfoy. It is now known, thanks to the dazzling Paulina Perez, that Miss McKinnon, who was recently seen on the arm of none other than Viktor Krum, is the Goddaughter of the Werewolf Remus Lupin to whom she has gifted her Wizengamot seat as proxy.

Of course, readers will know that under current law imposed by Madam Delores Umbridge werewolves are not allowed to hold guardianship for children who are not biologically theirs. If rumours are to be believed Lord Black publicly refused to have his daughter live with him after Chief Warlock and Hogwarts Headmaster discovered that Miss McKinnon was not living with her official guardian, one Andromeda Tonks, and was preparing to send her back to muggles, where she had previously been for years. "Hermione was devastated," my source confided, "she says that the muggles were frightened of her accidental magic and so she was moved a lot. She calls Remus Lupin Dad but Dumbledore didn't seem to care. He was furious when Lord Malfoy intervened. It makes you wonder what he's got against her."

What readers might not know is that Remus Lupin was close friends with Sirius Black, James Potter and the traitor Peter Pettigrew (see page 4 for a recap on Pettigrew's betrayal and an up-to-date description of the wizard.) One must wonder what Sirius Black's refusal to acknowledge his daughter has done to that friendship. "They don't speak. Lupin is furious with him," my source revealed.

One must also wonder what a man who was so willing to cast aside his own daughter might do to the Boy who lived. If nothing else, events have shown that Harry Potter is disturbingly underprepared for magical life, unlike Miss McKinnon who has been under the guidance of Narcissa Malfoy and Augusta Longbottom in the hope of preparing her for her new role. If my source is to be believed, she is doing them both proud. "Lady Malfoy adores Hermione," they confided, "She insisted she call her Aunt Narcissa. And Lord Malfoy has recently been discussing policy with her. They've been trying to come up with a better plan for muggleborns after Hermione explained how difficult her early childhood was."

I reached out to Lord and Lady Malfoy for comment, Lord Malfoy responded, "My niece is an intelligent, caring girl who wishes to make our world better for everyone in it. I look forward to seeing her grow into the woman she will be, for she will be a force to be reckoned with."

When I pushed for information regarding his thoughts on making life easier for muggleborns, especially in light of accusations of the man being a Death Eater (editor's note, Lucius Malfoy was cleared of all suspicion by means of being under the imperius curse) and he replied, "All magic should be nurtured. We bring muggleborns into our world but we do not immerse them in our traditions. This is a failing on our part. We can hardly bemoan their refusal to acknowledge our ways if we do not teach them. I firmly believe this should be rectified. With my niece's help, we are working on legislation that makes our world a better place for all of us."

Well, there you have it, dear readers! You heard it hear first. I wonder how Lord Black feels about this new and inclusive world his daughter is pushing for? And whether Harry Potter regrets giving up the girl for a man who hasn't bothered to ensure he's safe this year.

"Now, you ensure that you write," Narcissa commanded, fussing with Draco's collar.

"Yes Mother," he agreed sounding resigned. Next to him, Regulus watched as Remus murmured something too quiet to hear before wrapping Hermione in a hug that she all but fell into.

"And keep an eye on your Cousin," Narcissa continued

Draco sighed, his voice softer, "Yes Mother."

Remus and Hermione joined them minutes later, "Have a good term sweetheart," he commanded, looking at the floo with distaste. "We're coming to watch the February task and I'm still tutoring Harry, so I'll see you soon."

Hermione hummed, turning to hug him again tightly before Narcissa pulled her to her, murmuring in her ear.

Regulus and Lucius stood awkwardly, neither entirely sure what to do. Hermione's lips twitched into a semblance of a smile as Narcissa let her go. "Right. Well."

With an eye roll, Lucius made his decision tugging her forward to wrap his arms around her tightly. She tensed before allowing it, hugging him back. "Any questions," he murmured, trailing off.

"I know," she agreed. "I just….need to get my head around some things."

He hummed, a brief flash of fear showing on his face before he masked it.

She turned nodding to Regulus. "I'll see you next Hogsmeade weekend." he offered.

"Right," she agreed, turning to Draco. "Shall we?"

He cast a wary look at Regulus before nodding, watching as she called out to Minerva's office and disappeared. Not saying another word, Draco followed leaving an awkward silence in their wake."

"How long do you think she'll hate me for?" Lucius voiced suddenly, mirroring Regulus' thoughts.

She doesn't hate you," Remus sighed, "Which unfortunately is part of the problem."

"You're back!" Susan's voice could be heard over the noise of the milling students, several of them turning sharply to look at them.

"So we are," Hermione agreed weakly once she was standing in front of her, all of a sudden hit with the realities of what they were about to confess. She wasnt sure this new friendship was going to survive this.

Susan froze, her eyes scanning Hermione's face. "Meeting now?" Hermione looked at Draco questioningly. Despite still looking conflicted he nodded. "I'll get Neville. Where are we meeting?"

"Um….Snape's office?"

Even Draco gaped at her. "Seriously?"

"I'm following his advice," she mumbled.

"When did you see Professor Snape?"

"When he danced with me at Aunt Narcissa's ball," she muttered, clearly not paying attention to what she was saying.

"What?" Susan screeched drawing Hermione's attention back to her sharply.

"What?" she repeated.

"You just said you danced with Professor Snape and he gave you advice!" Susan hissed.

"Oh. I ah…that might make sense after our conversation. Go get Neville….Draco and I will see if Professor Snape fancies being helpful."

"Helpful, Miss Mckninnon?" came Snape's sardonic voice behind her. "Whenever have I given you the impression that that is in my repertoire?"

Hermione sighed, her eyes closing as if she could pretend it wasn't happening. "Can we just pretend you didn't hear that?"

"Now why would I do that?" he drawled.

"Because I decided to listen to your advice and maybe that gets me some brownie points?" she hedged, deciding to brave looking at him. His face was as implacable as ever but she thought she might have detected a hint of amusement in his eyes. She wasn't sure it was anything more than wishful thinking on her part.

"Did you now?" he murmured silkily before continuing to everyone's astonishment. "Very well, ask your question."

"I wondered if we might borrow your classroom or office in order for me to follow your advice. I need somewhere we definitely won't be overheard."

He hummed, looking physically pained before he spoke again. "You can use my rooms. You are unfortunately correct. You cannot be overheard." He pinned her with a look, taking slight pleasure in her dumbfounded expression. "If Longbottom so much as breathes wrongly on any of my possessions I will hold you personally responsible, am I clear, Miss Mckinnon?"

"Yes Sir" she squeaked.

"Good." he nodded. "One assumes I need to become accustomed to you….should I decide ah, how did you describe it? Holding hands?" she flushed scarlet and he smirked. "Should I decide to resume holding hands with an old flame."

Beside her, Susan was watching them as if she'd never met them before. "Miss Bones?" she squeaked in surprise at being addressed. "Do go acquire Mr Longbottom before I come to my senses."

"Yes Sir." she nodded before bolting.

"I think you enjoy making people uncomfortable," Hermione muttered.

"Three and a half years of an acquaintance and you've only just worked that out?" Severus sighed, "I shall have to revise my opinion on your intelligence."

Turning on his heel, leaving Hermione squawking indignantly behind him, he stalked back towards his rooms. It wouldn't do to let the little sods see him smile after all.